Tosin was a young disciple, passionate in prayer and service. Yet secretly, he just so much desired recognition. Every compliment fed his ambition. When asked to lead a difficult outreach, he started seeking tasks that made him look good instead of serving faithfully. Slowly, his devotion became selective—driven by what he wanted, not what God asked. By the time he noticed, his desire had quietly dethroned obedience.

Unchecked desire is subtle. It begins as a harmless craving but can quietly control your choices. Jesus calls us to deny self, not just manage desires. When desire goes unchecked, prayer becomes selective, obedience conditional, and sacrifice uncomfortable. To die to self is to submit every appetite—ambition, comfort, recognition—to Christ. Paul’s words remind us: “I am crucified with Christ…” Anything that does not glorify Him must die.

Practical Application:
Today, choose one desire—approval, comfort, or ambition—that has been controlling your choices, and surrender it to God. Each time it tempts you, declare: “I choose Christ over this desire.”

Confession:

I confess that unchecked desires have no rule over my heart. I renounce every ambition, craving for recognition, or appetite that competes with Christ for lordship. I choose the cross over comfort, obedience over self-interest, and God’s will over my desires. I declare that I am crucified with Christ; my life is governed by the Spirit, not by personal desire. Amen.

Related Scriptures: Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:5, Philippians 3:7–8